The charges announced Wednesday are in connection with a sprawling corruption investigation at state-run oil giant Petrobras.

Silva, his wife and five others are accused of illegally benefiting from renovations at a beachfront apartment in the coastal city of Guaruja, in Sao Paulo state. The improvements were made by constructors involved in the kickback scheme emanating from Petrobras.

Silva acknowledges having visited the penthouse but says he never owned it.

Brazilian federal investigators have charged former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva with money laundering and corruption.The charges announced Wednesday are in connection with a sprawling corruption investigation at state-run oil giant Petrobras.Silva, his wife and five...